of slate, and in its lower part an irregular seam of the same slaty limestone, from o to 10 inches in thickness. The coal itself is very solid, has a subconchoidal fracture, and, aside from the slate, contains a large proportion of ashes. Thus armour-plated against the inroads of decomposing agencies, it has retained considerable bituminous matter at the cost of purity. This coal is remarkable also on account of the vast number of small fresh water shells which are associated with it, and which must render it rich in phosphorus. Not only is the limestone above, below, and the coal full of these white shells, but the block slate is also crammed full of them, and even the coal itself near the slates.-Engineering and Mining Journal. LIQUID GLUE PREPARED FROM SACCHARATE OF LIME. A SOLUTION of 1 part of loaf-sugar in 3 parts of water, when spread on paper, imparts to it neither gloss nor strength, for the size does not adhere to the fingers when moistened. If, however, we add to the sugar the fourth part of its weight of slaked lime, and warm it to 145° to 165° F., then let it macerate some days, shaking it frequently, we shall find the greater part of the lime dissolved. The solution decanted from the lime sediment is then found to have the properties of mucilage, and a coat of it possesses gloss and firmness. If we soak 3 parts of glue broken in small pieces in 12 to 15 parts of this saccharate of lime, then on warming it the glue dissolves rapidly, and remains liquid when cold without losing its strength, as glue does when treated with acid. Glue of any desirable consistency may be prepared by varying the amount of saccharate of lime added; the thicker glue keeps its muddy colour, the thin becomes clear on standing. Gelatine dissolves in this solution of lime and sugar without previous soaking; even old gelatine, which has become insoluble in hot water, is soluble in this compound. This glue has great adhesiveness, and admits of very many uses; it cannot, of course, be used on colours that are injured by the lime, as, for example, chrome-yellow, Parisblue, zinc-green, Behringer's green and carmine. Ponceau made from carbolic acid is changed into a beautiful carmine colour. When warming the glue to dissolve it, a strong smell of glue is given off, but this is destroyed by a few drops of oil of lavender; a small admixture of 2 to 3 per cent of glycerine is also an advantage. Carbonic acid acts upon the lime when the glue is exposed a long time to the air, producing little white specks, without, however, affecting its adhesive and preservative power.Journal of Applied Chemistry. PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. ROYAL IRISH ACADEMY. Dr. MOORE (Botanic Gardens) suggested that, in operating upon the mushroom, the chemist was really only examining the juices of the flower, and that therefore it differed, and was no criterion of the presence of ammonia in ordinary juices. In the discussion that followed, Mr. TICHBORNE remarked that in boiling large quantities of the juice of the mushroom, volumes of ammonia were given off at one particular stage, which certainly tended to show that it existed in some such form as an amide, which at a particular temperature was split up into molecules of greater stability. The CHAIRMAN (Professor Jellett) then detailed some experiments he had made in connection with the rotary power of mushroom juice in the saccharometer. A second paper was read by Professor SULLIVAN, "On the Dyeing Materials of the Ancient Irish." AT the last general meeting of the academy, Dr. SULLIVAN read an interesting paper entitled "Notes on the Ammonia present in Fungi." The author had been engaged in these investigations for many years. The present paper dealt more particularly with the chemistry of the common edible mushroom (Agaricus campestris). Dr. Sullivan was of opinion that the ammonia existed in the juice of the mushroom, and was not a product of decomposition. It might, and probably did exist in the form of an amide, and occurred in very large quantities. The author also gave it as his opinion that ammonia is constantly being eliminated from the plant during its growth. MISCELLANEOUS. Shaping Soft Rubber with a File.-We hear from Professor Morton, President of the Stevens Institute, that the ordinary thick sheet rubber used in making up lantern tanks and for many similar purposes, may be readily dressed into exact shape with a file, if only it is supported by being clamped between plates of wood or metal in the vice. The file is used dry, and in all respects as in working on wood or metal. The Luminiferous Ether.-Though compelled to think of space as unbounded, there is no mental necessity whether it is filled or empty must be decided by experi to compel us to think of it either as filled or as empty; ment and observation. That it is not entirely void, the starry heavens declare, but the question still remains : Are the stars themselves hung in vacuo? Are the vast regions which surround them, and across which their light is propagated, absolutely empty? A century ago the answer to this question would have been, "No, for particles of light are incessantly shot through space." The reply of modern science is also negative, but on a somewhat different ground. In support of the conclusion that the celestial spaces are occupied by matter, it is able to offer proofs almost as cogent as those which can earth. The notion of this medium must not be consibe adduced for the existence of an atmosphere round the dered as a vague or fanciful conception on the part of scientific men. vinced as they are of the existence of the sun and moon. Of its reality, most of them are as conThe luminiferous ether has definite mechanical properties. It is almost infinitely more attenuated than any known gas, but its properties are those of a solid rather than of a gas. It resembles jelly rather than air. A body thus constituted may have its boundaries; but, although the ether may not be co-extensive with space, we at all events know that it extends as far as the most distant visible stars. In fact it is the vehicle of their light, and without it they could not be seen. This allpervading substance takes up their molecular tremors, and conveys them with inconceivable rapidity to our organs of visions. It is the transported shiver of bodies countless millions of miles distant which translates itself in human consciousness into the splendour of the firmament at night. If the ether have a boundary, masses of ponderable matter might be conceived to exist beyond it, but they could emit no light. Beyond the ether dark suns might burn; there, under proper conditions, combustion might be carried on; fuel might consume unseen, and metals be heated to fusion in invisible fires. A body, moreover, once heated there, would continue for ever molten. For, the loss of heat being simply the abstraction of molecular motion by the ether, where this medium is absent no cooling could occur. A sentient being, on approaching a heated body in this region, would be conscious of no augmentation of temperature. The gradations of warmth dependent on the laws of radiation would not exist, and actual contact would first reveal the heat of an extra ethereal sun.-Tyndall. CHEMICAL NOTICES FROM FOREIGN SOURCES. Under this heading will be found an encyclopædic list of chemical papers published abroad during the past week, with abstracts of all susceptible of advantageous abridgment. The two halfyearly volumes of the CHEMICAL NEWS, with their copious indices, will, therefore, be equivalent to an English edition of the "Jahresberichte." NOTE. All degrees of temperature are Centigrade, unless otherwise expressed. Comptes Rendus Hebdomadaires des Séances de l'Academie des Sciences, December 23, 1872. In addition to a series of papers strictly relating to other departments of physical sciences, this number contains the following original memoirs relating to chemistry : Action of Iodine upon some of the Hydrocarbons Belonging to the Aromatic Series.-P. Schutzenberger.-This essay contains the record of a series of experiments made with the view to ascertain the action of iodine under pressure (sealed tubes), and at a high temperature, upon certain hydrocarbons. Benzol gave a negative result; naphthaline was quite carbonised, but toluen is dehydrogenised, the result being the formation of new hydrocarbons-among these benzyltoluen, CH1 =2C,H,-H2; and a red-coloured solid body, soluble in benzine and in chloride of carbon, fusion-point 100°, formula, 2n(C11H11)=2(C,H,- H ̧). Reciprocal Conversion of Inactive Tartaric and Racemic Acids; Preparation of Inactive Tartaric Acid.-E. Jungfleisch. -Reserved for full translation. December 30, 1872. This number contains the following origina papers and memoirs more particularly relating to chemistry: On some Reactions of the Chlorides of Boron and Silicium. -L. Troost and P. Hautefeuille.-When the vapours of chloride of boron are caused to pass through a non-glazed porcelain tube at redheat, the chloride is partly decomposed, chlorides of aluminium and silicium are evolved, and borate of alumina formed in the tube. If the chloride of boron is made to pass through a red-hot glazed porcelain tube the glaze is acted upon, and there is also formed, in addition to the chlorides above named, double chloride of aluminium and potassium. Pure chloride of silicium does not act upon porcelain even at the highest temperature; but both this chloride and that of boron under the same conditions act upon many other substances, such as zirconia, titanic acid, &c., forming chlorides thereof. Quantitative Estimation of Manganese in Iron Ores, PigIron, and Steel by a Colorimetric Process.-P. Pichard.-Reserved for translation, a remark also applying to thefollowing paper :Volumetric Estimation of Small Quantities of Arsenic and Antimony.-A. Houzeau. Presence of Methyliac in Methyl-Nitric Ether and in Methylic Alcohol.-M. Lorin.-It appears that on testing samples of methyl-nitric ether and of methyl-alcohol, the author found therein a substance which on being treated with hydrochloric acid yielded methyliac hydrochlorate. The process of the operation is described at great length, and it further appears that the samples operated upon were relatively pure. Use of Cupric Liquors for the Estimation of Sugar.-L. Possoz.-When the cupric liquors used for the estimation of sugar are either treated with carbonic acid or with alkaline bicarbonates, there is precipitated from these fluids some carbonate of copper, while another portion of copper remains in solution. This (tartrate of copper and potassa, or of soda + aikaline carbonates) is not decomposed by pure cane sugar at temperatures between 60 and 95°, but is readily decomposed by inverted sugars. The fluid freed from caustic alkalies cannot give rise to the errors lately mentioned in various periodicals. Researches on the Spectrum of Chlorophyl.-J. Chautard. Annalen der Chemie und Pharmacie, No. 1, 1873. On Sulphate of Iron Precipitated by Alcohol, and on the Quantity of Water Contained in the Double Sulphate of Iron and Ammonia, and of the Double Sulphate of Iron and Potassa. L. Caro.-This paper, written chiefly to rectify some experiments made by Barckhausen and Rheineck, mainly confirms what is already known, viz., that the composition of protosulphate of iron precipitated by alcohol is the same as that of the crystallised salt; while, as regards the two other salts, Rheineck's statement as to their composition is proved to be erroneous. On Hydrogen Shifting (Wasserstof Verschiebung) on the Carbon Skeleton (Kohlenstoff Skelet) of Organic Compounds. -W. Heintz.-This essay, illustrated by a series of complex formulæ, is not well suited for abstraction. Monatsberichte der Königlich Preussischen Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Berlin, August, 1872. This number contains no original papers relating to chemistry, but we quote the title of Dr. Vom Rath's paper on The Crystallographic System of Leucite. - Illustrated by several engravings. Annalen der Physik und Chemie, von Dr. J. C, Poggendorff, Nos. 11 and 12, 1872. These numbers contain no original papers relating to chemistry. Bulletin de la Société Chimique de Paris, December 1, 1872. The original papers in this number have been already abstracted from other French periodicals. Le Moniteur Scientifique Quesneville, January, 1873. Anthracen and its Derivatives.-E. Kopp.-The continuation and end of this exhaustive essay treats on the modes of applying artificial alizarine and purpurine, native alizarine, and the extracts of madder. There are a large number of practical receipts and directions for the use of the dyer and calico printer. Memoir on Two Acids Found in the Mother-Liquors of Coralline.-A. Commaille.-This essay, treating on parathionic and thioamylic acids, and on an acid isomeric with sulphamylic acid, is a full account of the author's researches already alluded to (see CHEMICAL NEWS, vol. xxvi., p. 300). Method of Purification of Rosolic Acid.-Ch. Girard.-In the introduction to this paper the author gives a resume of the methods by which pure phenol or cresylol may be converted into rosolic acid, while, further, the experiments of Wanklyn and Caro with rosaniline, and those of Liebermann with the same substance (the final result in each case being the formation of rosolic acid) are spoken of. The author next describes at length a rather complex process of purifying the rosolic acid obtained from either rosaniline or any of its salts by the aid of water under high pressure at 205°. The substances resulting from this reaction are first treated by the author with aniline, heat being applied. Thus there is formed azuline blue, which is first treated with hydrochloric acid, then washed with water, dried and reduced to powder; this is treated with caustic potassa. The insoluble residue is again treated with dilute hydrochloric acid, then washed with distilled water, and having been dried, the residue is treated with the vapours of either chloroform or crystallisable benzine; again dried, treated with alcohol, filtered, and the solution evaporated. The residue is treated, under pressure at 100, with alcoholic potassa solution, whereby aniline is formed (from the triphenylic-rosaniline present in the matter), and rosolate of potassa, which, after the addition of water, is decomposed by an acid, yields flocculent rosolic acid. This is further purified, after washing and drying, by solution in boiling absolute alcohol; from the hot filtrate of that solution the pure rosolic acid is deposited on cooling in a crystalline state. New Method of Preparing the Hair of Rabbits and Hares to be Used in Felt Hat Making, Without the Use of Mercury.M. Hillairet.-A detailed account of some newly-devised processes, by the application of which the use of mercury may be avoided in the preparation of felt. Preservation of Timber and Wood by Means of Tar.-Dr. Quesneville.-This essay contains a condensed account of the results of practical experiments made in France and Belgium by different persons to ascertain the value of tar as a preservative of timber, and the best methods of applying it. Memoirs on the Estimation of Phosphoric Acid.-T Schlæsing and G. Ville. Bibliography. Under this heading attention is called to the following work:-"Histoire de la Botanique, de la Minéralogie et de la Géologie Depuis les Temps les Plus Réculés jusqu'à nos Jours," par Dr. F. Hoefer, the eminent editor of the well known "History of Physics and Chemistry." Although not belonging to chemistry, we call attention to the two following essays: The Floods of the Seine.-H. Parville.-This memoir contains not only important historical, but hydrographical and geological information concerning the causes of the rapid rising of the rivers in general. NEWS Febrifuge and Anti-Periodic Properties of the Leaves of deceased, a well and deservedly known chemist, formerly one of Prothe Laurus Nobilis.-G. Doray. La Revue Scientifique de la France et de l'Etranger, Researches on Dulcite and Sugars in General. - Dr. G. Bouchardat. This paper contains a brief resumé of the author's researches, published in the form of an inaugural dissertation. The first part treats on dulcite, and on the relation existing between that Substance and the glucoses which yield mucic acid, and on the question whether all the glucoses can be viewed as the aldehydes of hexatomic alcohols. Next the action of different reagents (dilute acids, sodium amalgam) upon various kinds of saccharine substances is described; and in the second part of the essay the combinations of dulcite with acids is fully detailed. Dulcite as well as mannite are hexatomic alcohols, and the combinations with acids are veritable ethers. Geology and Paleontology of Provence (South Eastern France).-A. F. Marion.-Illustrated by woodcuts and a map; an excellent lecture of the geology and paleontology of this locality. Regularisation of the Heat in Warm-Blooded Animals,Dr. Rosenthal.-A physiological essay. December 28, 1872. Bibliography.-Attention is called to "Histoire de la Céramique," par Albert Jacquemart, 1 vol.: Paris, Hachette, prix 25 francs. The author begins from the remotest periods of antiquity, and refers to all nationalities and countries. Annales des Mines, No. 4, 1872. This number contains no original papers relating to chemistry, but we call attention to the two following monographs. Studies on Blast Furnaces.-L. Gruner. Notes on the Mechanical Preparation (Washing, Screening, &c.) of Coals, and on the Making of Coke Abroad and in France.-A. Pernollet.-These essays are copiously illustrated with engravings. Journal de Pharmacie et de Chimie, December, 1872. In addition to several original papers strictly relating to pharmacy, this number contains the following brief paper relating to chemistry:Action of Ether upon Iodides.-Dr. J. E. de Vry.-The author states, in reference to an observation made by Ferrières concerning the decomposition of iodides by ether, that several years ago he tried a similar experiment leading to the same result; but when the ether of commerce was first thoroughly shaken up with a concentrated solution of sulphate of protoxide of iron, and next with milk of lime, and then rectified by distillation, no action of the ether upon the iodides was observed. The author further observed that, while he resided in Java, he always ordered the ether sent to him from Europe to be rectified in the manner just described, because so treated it remained perfectly pure and without any action upon iodides even in that warm climate, provided the bottles containing it were well stoppered and kept quite full. Les Mondes, December 26, 1872. This number contains no original papers relating to chemistry, but it gives an exhaustive programme of— A New High School for Agronomic and Forester's Sciences and their Application, to be shortly Inaugurated at Vienna.-It appears that this institution, founded by the Austro-Hungarian Government, will be in every respect, one of the most complete of the kind in Europe. Revue Hebdomadaire de Chimie Scientifique et Industrielle, Manufacture of Stearine Candles.-M. Venèque.-The detailed accouut of this industry as carried on by the author. Description of a Newly-Contrived Muffle Furnace to be Heated by Petroleum.-M. Wiesnegg.-This paper, illustrated by woodcuts, contains an account of muffle furnaces so constructed that petroleum may be used as fuel, according to a system devised by H. Sainte-Claire Deville. Berichte der Deutschen Chemischen Gesellschaft zu Berlin, No. 19' 1872. From the protocol of the meeting, the proceedings of which are published in this number, we find that Dr. Oppenheim alluded to the fact that an eminent French savant, Aug. Cahours, desired to become a member of the Society; he regarded this as a sign of growing goodwill between the two nations, and of increasing oblivion of the past. He then briefly sketched the eminent scientific discoveries of Cahours, who was unanimously elected a member in the usual manner. The president, Dr. A. W. Hofmann, then communicated to the meeting that their fellow member, Dr. Heinrich Ludwig Buff, died at Prague on the 2nd of December last, at the age of forty-five years. The fessor Liebig's assistants at Giessen, was Professor of Chemistry at the German Polytechnic School at Prague, and an industrious collaborator of many German scientific works, and one of the editors of the Jahresbericht. The following original papers are also found in this number:Atomic Weight of Uranium.-C. Rammelsberg.-The contents of this essay, elucidated by a large number of formulæ, treat on the proposal made by Mendelejeff to double the atomic weight of uranium, which is thus brought from 120 to 240. The author points out the changes this makes in the formula of the uranium compounds, and the analogy thus effected with the compounds of molybdenum, tungstenum, and thorium. By taking the atomic weight of uranium as 240, it becomes the heaviest of all the elements. Observations on Silicic Acid.-C. Rammelsberg.-The main gist of the first part of this paper is that the amorphous silicic acid, as frequently obtained in analysis, is only soluble after ignition, which renders it anhydrous in a boiling concentrated solution of carbonate of soda, or of potassa when the ignition was comparatively gentle; because, at a rather high temperature, although far below that of the porcelain-kilns, amorphous silica is converted, either wholly or in part, into the crystalline state (tridymite), and its sp. gr. is then 2'3. Some other amorphous bodies, berylla, titanic, zirconic, niobic, and tantalic acids, for instance, are similarly converted into crystalline bodies. In the second portion of this paper, the author observes that the quantity of water contained in silica, precipitated from alkaline silicates by acids, and dried, either over strong sulphuric acid or at 100°, varies, so as to exhibit hydrates of the formula #SiO,+aq, the value of n being in this case equal to from 4 to 8. Air-dried silica, even when apparently quite dry, may contain from 13 to 36 per cent of water. Chlorine Derivatives of Aceton.-E. Mulder.-This exhaustive essay, elucidated by a very large number of formulæ, treats on the mode of preparation and properties of dichloraceton, a monochloraceton, and on the combinations of the former with hydrosulphuret of potassium and cyanide of potassium. The author incidentally observes that monochloraceton becomes of a beautiful carmine colour by the addition of excess of caustic potassa solution. Diglycolamido Acid Diuramide.-E. Mulder.-This essay, containing a large number of complex formulæ, treats, after referring to Baeyer's researches on the synthesis of hydantoin, on diglycolamido acid diuramide NH,-.-CO-.-NH-.-CO−.-CH, NH, a crystalline compound, combining with neither acids nor bases, fusing at 174, soluble, unaltered in strong sulphuric acid, and yielding, by the addition of water, another substance which has to be further investigated. Observations on Hydrochinon and Substances related thereto.-O. Hesse.-Notwithstanding its high intrinsic merits, this essay, elucidated by very elaborate and complex formulæ, is not suited for abstraction. Action of Potassium upon Benzol, and that of Bromethyl upon Naphthalin Potassium.-H.Abeljanz.-By heating absolutely pure and anhydrous benzol in a sealed tube with potassium to from 240° to 250°, a combination, by addition of the two bodies, is obtained; benzol potassium in a dry state, is a very explosive compound, which is also violently decomposed by water: when this decomposition takes place more slowly, under a layer of benzol, the result is the formation of diphenyl. The naphthalin potassium is violently acted upon by bromide of ethyl; among the products of this reaction is a hydrocarbon, C20H12 History of the Azo Compounds.-S. Alexejeff-The chief aim of this brief notice is to point out that several azo compounds, lately described in the Berichte and other scientific periodicals, have been long since known and fully described in the Russian language, not only in monographs but also in publications issued in Russia, printed in either the French or German languages. The author quotes the titles and other particulars at length. Nitro Compounds of the Fatty Series.-V. Meyer and A. Rilliet. The third part of a monograph on this subject; this section treats on brom-nitroethan and normal nitro-propan. Nitro Compounds of the Fatty Series.-V. Meyer and C. Chojnacki. This fourth portion of the exhaustive monograph treats on pseudo ritro-propan, and contains an elaborate tabulated form, too lengthy for reproduction, exhibiting the reactions of sodium nitromethan, sodium nitro-ethan, sodium nitro-propan (normal), sodium nitro-propan (pseudo), with mercuric chloride, ferric chloride, barium chloride, cupric sulphate, plumbic acetate, and argentic nitrate. On Aromatic Amido Acids containing Alcohol Radicals.P. Griess. This memoir is termed a preliminary notice; it is divided into the following sections, copiously illustrated by a large number of complex formulæ-action of iodethyl upon amido benzoate of potassa; action of nitrous acid upon ethylamido benzoic acid; action of iodallyl upon amido benzoate of potassa; action of iodmethyl upon amidoanisic acid. Isomorphism of the Anhydrous Sulphates of the Alkaline Earths.-A. Arzruni.-This paper treats on cœlestine (native sulphate of strontia) in a chemico-crystallographic point of view. The author analysed six varieties of this mineral as found near Lake Erie, at Rüdersdorf (near Berlin), in Sicily, near Bristol, near Mokkatam (Egypt), and Pschow (Russia); and all these minerals are found to be free from sulphate of baryta, but contain a small quantity of sulphate of lime. The method of analysis, decomposition of the cœlestine by means of a solution of carbonate of soda in sealed tubes placed horizontally in a water-bath, and kept there for at least 12 hours, is minutely described. On Cyan-Carbonic Acid Allyl-Ether.-R. Wagner and B. Tollens. This monograph is not well suited for abstraction, an observation applying also to the following essay: On Dibenzyl-Dicarbonic Acid.-A. P. N. Franchimont. An Ether of Pyrouvic Acid.-A. Oppenheim.-The rather cumbrous and difficult method of preparing this ether is described at great length. The ether, pyrouvate of methyl, is a fluid; boils at between 134 and 137, sp. gr. at o=1'154, formula CH ---CO––CO,CH, On Polymeric Modification of Isobutyl-aldehyde.-G. A. Barbaglia. The para-isobutyl-aldehyde herein alluded to is a solid crystalline body; fusion-point, 59° to 60°; vapour density = 105'55; formula, 3C,H,O=C12H2Og. caustic soda, caustic potash, soda-ash, and other similar substances; also for heating or boiling and refrigerating solutions in breweries, distilleries, chemical and other manufactories, and in the apparatus employed therefor."-Petition recorded August 7, 1872. 2446. A. R. Arrott, Saint Helens, Lancashire, "Improvements in the manufacture of carbonate of soda."-Petition recorded August 16, 1872. 2687. B. B. Standen, Blackheath, Kent, "Improvements in collecting and treating human excrement, both solid and liquid, and in the treatment of other animal urine, also in the means or apparatus employed therein."-Petition recorded September 11, 1872. 2711. W. D. Ruck, Greenwich, Kent, "Improvements in the manufacture of gas."-Petition recorded September 12, 1872. 2943. E. J. Payne, Packwood, Warwickshire, and W. Clarke, Dudley, Worcestershire, "Improvements in converting or partially converting iron into steel."-Petition recorded October 5, 1872. 3160. W. T. Cooper, Oxford Street, Middlesex, "Improvements in preparing or making up medicated and other effervescing mixtures." -Petition recorded October 24, 1872. 3642. C. W. Siemens, Great George Street, Westminster, "Improvements in smelting iron and steel, and in furnaces and apparatus employed in connection therewith, parts of which improvements are also applicable to regenerative gas-furnaces generally."-Petition recorded December 3, 1872. PATENTS SEALED. 1845. W. Bull, Chancery Lane, Middlesex, "Improvements in making salt from brine."-Dated June 19, 1872. 1878. J. Tourre, Avignon, France, Improvements in obtaining colourable matters derivable from madder, munjeet, and other allied roots."-Dated June 21, 1872. 1948. F. J. Cheesbrough, Liverpool, "Improvements in the process of manufacturing oil and oil-cake from seeds, and in the machinery to be used therein."-A communication from W. B. Fisher, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.A.-Dated June 27, 1872. 2717. W. S. Dixon, Grosvenor Place, Middlesex, "Improvements in the manufacture of plute iron or refined metal."-Dated September 13, 1872. 2988. J. Young, Kelly, Renfrewshire, N.B., Improvements in treating liquors containing ammoniacal compounds in order to obtain products therefrom."-Dated October 10, 1872. 3094. E. C. Nicholson, Herne Hill, Surrey, "Improvements in the production of colours for dyeing and printing,"-Dated October 19, 1872. PATENTS. Communicated by Messrs. VAUGHAN and SON, Patent Agents, 54, Chancery Lane, London, W.C. GRANTS OF PROVISIONAL PROTECTION FOR SIX MONTHS. 3620. J. C. Ramsden, Lightcliffe, Halifax, and J. M. Tankard, Bradford, Yorkshire, "New and improved methods or processes of and apparatus for staining or dyeing fibrous filaments when in the raw or when in a partly prepared state.-Petition recorded December 2, 1872. 3687. R. S. Best, Goole, Yorkshire. "Improvements in the manufacture of phosphates of soda and potash and chloride of ammonium; also in the manufacture of chemical manures and alkalies."-Petition recorded December 5, 1872. 3692. M. Henry, Fleet Street, London, "Improvements in preserving and protecting ships' sheathing and other metal surfaces exposed to the action of sea-water."-A communication from M. L. Ehrmann, Boulevart Sainte Martin, Paris. 3696. T. Green, Ouseburn, Newcastle-on-Tyne, "Improvements in the treatment of bones and other articles, and in apparatus for the same."-Petitions recorded December 6, 1872. 3736. W. R. Lake, Southampton Buildings, London, "An improved insulating compound for telegraphic purposes."-A communication from Z. G. Simmons, Kenosha, Wisconsin, U.S.A.-Petition recorded December 9, 1872. 3755 H. Y. D. Scott, C.B., Ealing, Middlesex, "Improvements in the treatment and utilisation of sewage water." 3763. R. S. Casson, Brierley Hill, Staffordshire, "Improvements in puddling furnaces, heating furnaces, and other reverberatory furnaces used in the munufacture of iron and steel."-A communication from P. A. Dormoy, Troyes, France.-Petitions recorded December 11, 1872. 3775. J. Hunt, Ewell, Surrey, "Improvements in the manufacture of gunpowder and in the apparatus employed therein."-Petition recorded December 12, 1872. NOTICES TO PROCEED. 2337. T. Richardson, J. W. Richardson, and A. Spencer, West Hartlepool, Durham, "Improvements in the manufacture of iron and steel, and of revolving puddling furnaces or convertors, and apparatus to be employed therein.."-Petition recorded August 6, 1872. 2351. G. M. Moore, Liverpool, "Improvements in the process of evaporating or concentrating alkaline liquors in the manufacture of NOTES AND QUERIES. Sulphur Dioxide.-On page 126 of Roscoe's "Chemistry," the molecular weight of sulphur dioxide is given as 65. How is this got? -E. T. Analysis of Sugars.-Would your readers kindly inform me the best book published that treats on the complete analysis of sugars ?SUBSCRIBER. Mycoderma Vini and M. Aceti.-I shall be glad of a reference to where I shall find the fullest descriptions of Mycoderma Vini and Mycoderma Aceti, and of other organisms found in wines.-A. Z. Acid in Crude Sugar.-Can any of your readers inform me what is the best way to determine the amount of acid in crude sugar when the percentage is very small? I have it to do frequently, and manage in this way, which is not always satisfactory:-A few grammes of sugar are weighed out, dissolved in water, tested with litmus paper, and the solution found to be distinctly acid. Normal soda is then added from a pipette divided into hundredths of a centimetre, and the solution tested by dipping in slips of litmus paper after the addition of one or two drops. This is somewhat clumsy, and probably not very accurate. Again, how is the acid to be reckoned, or rather as what? In making my reports I calculate it as acetic acid.-J. M. MERRICK, Laboratory, 59, Broad Street, Boston, Mass., U.S.A. Analysis of Hyposulphites, Sulphides, and Sulphites in the same Solution.-(Reply to "Alkali.")-Estimate the sulphides by means of an ammoniacal solution of zinc, using a drop of lead solution on filtering paper as an indicator. Add to another sample of the original solution some acetate of zinc (or chloride or sulphate of zinc, with a few drops of acetic acid), dilute to 300 c.c., pour through a dry filter, and save two portions of 100 c.c. of the clear filtrate. In one of these estimate the hyposulphites and sulphites together by iodine solution, in the other destroy all hyposulphite by boiling with dilute sulphuric acid, collect and weigh the sulphur,- either as such or after oxidation as barium sulphate, and calculate the hyposulphites from it: the sulphites are found by subtraction from the last testing (with iodine). Test, as a check, the original solution direct by iodine solution (without removing the sulphides by zinc solution; the result might so agree with the sum of the single determinations made as above. Another method is this:-Estimate the sulphides by zinc, and the sum of the sulphites and hyposulphites as above; also the sulphates in the usual manner. Then oxidise all sulphur compounds to sulphates by heating the solution with potassium chlorate and hydrochloric acid, and estimate the sulphate now present. calculation will show the amount of sulphur present in excess over what it would be if the iodine determination had only shown sulphites, and this excess corresponds to the hyposulphites. In both methods the polysulphides are estimated along with the monosulphides.GEORGE LUNGE, An easy THURSDAY, 16th.-Royal, 8 Chemical, 8. Mr. Grimshaw, "On Ethylamyl." C. Schorlemmer, "On Heptanes from Petroleum." S. Carnelley, "On Vanadates of Thallium.' C. T. Kingzett, "On the Formation of Sodium Sulphide by the Action of Sulphuretted Hydrogen upon Royal Institution, 3. Dr. Debus, F.R.S., "On FRIDAY, 17.-Royal Institution, 3. Wm. Spottiswoode, LL.D., "On Chlorosis and Vascular Abnormalities (Dr. Berkart). ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY. On a Hæmatozoon inhabiting Human Blood (Dr. Cobbold, F.R.S.). Recent Papers. PATHOLOGY. 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